Improved apparatus for connecting velocipedes



No. 90,302. Patented May 18, I869.

blinded swa WILLIAM H.'RACEY,

OF NEW Y0 R K,'N. Y.

Letters PatentNo. 90,302, dated May 18, 1869.

To all whom it ma/yconcern.-

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM H. RACEY, of the city, county, and State ofNew York, have invented a certain new and improved Connection forBicycles, or other Velocipedes; and I do hereby declare that thefollowing is a full and exact description thereof, reference being hadto the accompanying drawings, making part of this specification, inwhich- Figure 1 is a plan view, and

Figure 2, a side elevation, showing two bicycles connected as by myinvention. Figure 3 is a view of the coupling-device detached.

Like letters of reference in dicate corresponding parts in all of thefigures.

The nature of my invention consists in connecting together twovelocipedes so that the two can be used and operated as one-vehicle. v

The object of my said invention is to develop a new function in the useof velocipedes, by which the following advantages are secured:

First, enabling two companions to ride together in unison.

Second, in securing stability to the vehicle, by obviating its tendencyto fall over.

Third, afl'ording aid to an unskilled rider or novice, in learning, bythe dependence of his vehicle upon that upon which it is connected,which may be driven by an experienced rider.

Fourth, lessening the labor of propulsion by uniting the efiorts of theriders, or by each alternately driving both machines. I

Fifth, constituting a platform upon which other passengers, or burdens,may be carried.

Sixth, a foundation by or upon which any suitable means of extraneouspropulsion may be applied.

It is obvious that this connection can be made in various ways, but Iprefer the device shown in figs. 1

and 3, consisting of the two transverse bars, a a, each' of which isprovided, at its end,'with a clamp and setscrew 1) c, for aflixin gfirmly to the reach or main longitudinal frame A of the bicycle.

These bars-are connected together by the diagonal braces (l d, whichcross each other at any angle, and secure the requisite rigidity to holdone vehicle firmly to the other. 1

The clamps are so constructed, that by loosening the set-screws by anyproper means, the coupling may be disconnected, and, being small andportable, may be carried, without inconvenience, upon either vehicle byattaching it to or suspending it from the reach or other suitable partof the frame. For this purpose,

I provide a pair of lips, or jaws, f 1, upon the under side of thecoupling, by means of which, and a screwbolt or key passing throughholes provided therein, such an attachment is facilitated.

It may at times be desirable to have the distance between the twovehicles, when connected, variable,

I and, to eifect this, I propose to attach the clamps b 6 directly tothe transverse bracesd d, by means of a jointed connection, which willadmit of extending or contracting the distance between the two, byvarying the angles of the diagonal braces, and securing them in theposition desired.

If desirable, a connection may be employed between the levers whichcontrol the guiding-wheels, so that both will move simultaneously, orthis may be left to the skill of the riders. The coupling employed forthis purpose may also be made to serve several other valuable uses,among which is that of a rack or platform to support, or underneathwhich may be suspended a portmanteau or other baggage. It mayalso heprovided with a socket, to receive a standard, on

which to support an umbrella, or sun-shade, or other canopy asprotection to the riders, or a mast for a streamer, flag, or sail to aidin its propulsion.

A ready means of connecting two velocipedes adds increased interest andenjoyment to their use, by enabling a lady and gentleman, or otherssocially inclined, to unite their vehicles in pairs, and combine theen-- joyment'of conversation with exercise, while it facilitates thelearning of a beginner, by placing his ma chine partially under thecontrol of a more experienced companion, and entirely obviating thedanger of falling. It also offers an incentive for ladies to indulge inthis healthful and agreeable exercise, by rendering it less fatiguing,and unattended with danger, while it enables them to ride at the side ofthe seat, as in equestrian exercise.

What. I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent,isv 1. Connecting two independent bicycles together, to be used as onevehicle, substantially as and for the purposes set forth,

2. As a coupling for bicycles or other velocipedes, the clamps b b,connected by bars a a and braces d d, or their equivalents,substantially as set forth.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto signed my name, in the presence oftwo subscribing witnesses.

WILLIAM H. RAOEY.

Witnesses:

J. FRASER, J. A. DAVIS.

